The Last Day

I no longer have a job. Not only are my personal possessions cleared out, the building is practically empty. The long holiday weekend will stretch for an undetermined length of time.

I'm just one of the many victims of our 'great and wonderful' federal government. Those that caused the problem now claim they are fixing the problem. God spare us from the statists and their evil ways.

Deliberate Destruction

I've been reading a book called Liberty & Tyranny that's interesting but at the same time very depressing. In my younger days I didn't pay politics much attention. Supporting my wife and raising the 2 boys was at the top of my priorities with little time for much else. I guess that's my only excuse for not realizing how insidious the statists have been over the decades in changing the very nature of this country.

Except for the times around the Great Depression it has been a slow and patient march away from a republic and away from liberty. In fact so slow that the pain was hardly noticed. Naturally some of the population have been happy about the changes.

The statists used the Depression as an excuse to take a large step away from liberty towards government control, 'for the good of all'. The most noticeable results have been socialism and prolonging the Depression. The same thing is happening today.

I don't believe these people are stupid. I believe they are deliberately destroying our way of life to achieve some utopian ideal. Unfortunately that ideal is self-destructive for all.

The big question is whether they will succeed in the next decade or the next few decades, for succeed they will. Our own national history is the teacher. We will either fall into tyranny and destruction or we'll have a physical war and destruction. I have little hope that this country will stand for long.

One Door Closing

Today was the last get together at my place of employment. All the manufacturing equipment, inventory and historical records have been shipped to the new location in Mn. Only us office types remain, and tomorrow is our last day of work, here, forever. Eight have accepted temporary employment at the new location and the rest will be unemployed as of end of day tomorrow. This operation will be shut down, and the company will be nothing but history.

I was pleasently surprised when the company president gave me a kick-ass letter of recommendation. I didn't ask for one, because I didn't think he was all that impressed with my method of management. I'm more the leader type and he's more of a dictator.

This is the first place of employment where I expected to stay for a prolonged time. I was expecting to be here for another 5-10 years, but the economy said different. Despite being the lone profitable group the last 2 years the operation is being merged into another out of state.

The worse part of the whole mess is leaving my fellow workers who have become like another family. As an engineer, my work here was not a challenge, but I was enjoying the challenge of building the engineering department and mentoring the younger guys. I'll miss that a lot.

It's said that when a door closes a window opens. On the bright side is my second interview next week with another company. They seem very interested in my broad based experience, at least enough to ask me back for a tour and more discussion. The term used was "more detailed". If this works out I'll be working in a new industry for me and doing a wide variety of tasks. I've always enjoyed being a generalist.

If it doesn't work out I'll not fret. The Boss and I can live a few years without employment if we need, though we'll have to make a few life style changes.

Belated Merry Christmas

I hope all had a merry Christmas this year, despite the Fed trying to put lumps of coal in all our stockings. In times like these it's best to look on the bright side and appreciate loved ones and friends. They're far more important than anything else.

Let's hope the new year brings blessings and happiness for all.

Paper Punching

I managed to sneak off to the local indoor range today for an hour of paper punching. Once again the emphasis was to improve on my weak hand only pistol shooting using my Buckmark 22. Every time I practice I get a little more accurate, but I still have a long way to go. With left hand only the holes cover about 2 times the area as right hand only, which is also 2 times the area when shooting 2 handed.

I also put about 60 rounds or so through the little Charter Arms 44 Special , shooting double action. The smoke produced by pushing lead bullets in front of Unique is quite noticeable in an indoor range, even one with good ventilation. I just managed to keep all shots in the black of a B27 at 50 feet. Compared to shooting one of my 1911s, that's not very good, but then again I've never been much of a double action revolver shot. Also, I haven't gotten around to working up a load for accuracy as yet either.

Tis The Season

Crime Rate

According to the TV news last night, the latest FBI report shows the crime rate in the US has fallen by 4%-5%, even though gun ownership and concealed carry licensing continues to rise.
For the rational thinking, that's a good thing. For the Brady Bunch and their cohorts that's bad news. Their excuse for controlling firearm ownership, crime reduction, is proving to be more false every year.

Gun control has nothing to do with guns. It's about controlling people.

Carry Everywhere

I went with the Boss to church today to see the children's Christmas presentation. I had intended to sneak off to the range this afternoon, but the youngest and his wife were here helping the Boss bake Christmas cookies. After all the baking and a lite dinner I started a fire in the fireplace for the daughter-in-law. She's one of those that doesn't have any blood flowing. Anyway, as I was stooping over at the fireplace she asked me if I was carrying a weapon. I hadn't bothered putting the 45 away after getting home. She was surprised that I would carry to church, and the Boss replied that the pastor encourages me to carry there.

I just don't understand why I wouldn't carry in church, or any other place where I go. I also don't understand why some think I'm strange for carrying in church. It seems to me that the likelihood of needing a weapon at church isn't much different than needing one anywhere else that I go.

Potential Terrorist

Had dinner tonight with a "potential terorist", my brother-in-law. He's an ex-military, gun toting Christian. When getting out of the car the sister-in-law asked if I was carrying. Her husband commented "Is the pope a catholic?".

I'm not ex-military and I'm not a Christian, but somehow I think I'm also considered a "potential terrorist".

A Monochrome World

This morning when I opened the door to let the dog out I saw this.















Our first accumulating snow fall of the year.

I've always loved hunting in weather like this, with the temperature just below freezing and a wet snow clinging to the trees and brush. It doesn't matter if I'm after birds, rabbits or deer. It's magical.

Murder

Isn't it amazing how so many of our congresscritters yell and scream about combat, yet have absolutely no problems with murdering defenseless lives?

Stolen Funnies

Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel " pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the promised land".

Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, " Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel, this is the promised land".

Now Obama has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of camels, and mortgaged the promised land.

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I was so depressed last night thinking about Health Care Plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, Savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc . . . I called Lifeline. Got a freakin' call center in Pakistan . I told them I was suicidal.

They all got excited and asked if I could drive a truck...

The Contract

My eldest son served 4 years active duty as a US Marine. He said as a Marine he took an oath to defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. His honorable discharge was not a discharge of the oath taken. Therefore, according to him, strictly speaking he should presently be at war against our own federal government. Our federal government has continually taken action and enacted laws that violate the authorities specifically granted. They have turned the Constitution around. The government has long ago violated the contract with The People.

Whenever the government acts in any manner, ask yourself if the government is acting Constitutionally utilizing its limited powers to secure your rights, or if it is acting unconstitutionally usurping the authority of the people to restrict, or to eliminate, your rights. If the government is becoming destructive of the ends of securing the rights of the people, then it may be time to alter or abolish that government and to institute new government. It is not just our right, it is our duty to do so, as directed by our forefathers, to preserve freedom for our posterity.

Bill of Rights Day

Did you know that yesterday was officially Bill of Rights Day? It was certainly news to me at least.

Regardless, the heart of the matter (2A) was the right of the individual to defend himself. It matters not whether it is an attempt to defend against a tyrant king or a criminal robber, it is the arms that enable that defense to take place and be successful. It doesn't matter if you're fighting off French invaders, marauding Indians, or a drugged up gang bangers. The threats to life and liberty may have changed but they have not disappeared. A free person has the right to choose whether to trust their safety to the mayor, the police, seek solitude in safety of numbers, or take responsibility for their own safety and the means to ensure it.

Unfortunately we could have a Constitution Day as a national holiday and it would still be ignored, just as The Constitution is generally ignored today by citizens and government alike.

Yellow Target

As you can see on the right, I have a new image on this blog. After I learned that it was one used during the revolutionary war, I thought it fitting. We're due for a revolution, of one kind or another.

I wonder if that flag was in the history books way back in the '60s when I want to public school? I'd be very surprised if it is now.

There's a sign on the back of my truck that says "fire the fed government". I think an image of the flag should go there as well. I just received an actual flag that I'll be hanging on the house. If a "hot" revolution should erupt, that will give the government boys a nice yellow target.

Employment

My place of employment, for another couple of weeks, will no longer exist when Jan 1 rolls around. We're a small company of 38 employees that has a total of 5 engineers. I'm the only ME and I'm the supervisor of 3 EEs and one programmer. I came here after 16 years at another place, only to be canned without cause. I started as the only mechanical design engineer and after 1 year was offered the supervisor position. Until then we didn't have an engineering department. We all reported to different managers.

We've been one of 20+ companies owned by a large European based organization. In 2008 we were the only one that made a profit, and as of the latest managers meeting we're the only one headed toward a profit this year. As a reward for our good work this operation is being shut down and merged into a larger company out of state. After almost 3 years I can honestly say that I'm going to miss these people. We're a good team. All 38 of us.

When Jan rolls around, and with time to spare, I'll be doing some volunteer building maintenance where the Boss goes to church. There's some plumbing issues to fix and shelves to build in the storage area. I'll also be doing more shooting with the oldest son and taking a class to be certified to teach basic pistol. We also plan to go to Florida in Feb to visit my sister. I think the last time a saw her was almost 2 years ago when my mother passed.

(It's been a bit depressed at the house the past couple of days. Yesterday marked 3 years since the Boss's mother passed.)

Two months ago I had a job interview that looked promissing, but fell through when the company decided not to fill 2 engineering positions. Don't believe the politicians, this isn't over yet. This morning I got a call from a head hunter about a contract (temporary) ME position. Two hours later an interview was set up for this coming Friday.

I can live for a year or two without a paying job, but if offered I'll take the contract job. In a way that'll be a shame because I was looking forward to a couple of months out of the rat race.

It's All About Power

A House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday aimed at forcing college football to switch to a playoff system to determine its national champion, . . .

This is almost funny. Almost. The Fed has grown exponentially in power grabbing the last couple of years. They've taken over private industry, private financial institutions, they want to tax the hell out of energy and control our health, all for the good of all. Yeah. Right.

Investments

Yesterday my broker called me and according to him, this is the only time in his 25 years of experience that he has recommended that his clients take at least 25% of their investments out of the stock market. Since the market is now doing nothing, and the Fed has a policy that has a high probability of hurting the national economy, I'm pulling about 50% of my money out of stocks, with most of it going into cash. Why not all of it? Because nothing is for sure.

I told him that I've made an investment in battle rifles and ammunition. He's considering doing the same thing.

Keep your powder dry.

Not Yet

I found out today why the Boss has procrastinated going to the range to test her bad hand. It's actually getting worse. She told me she has an appointment to see the surgeon again. So much for her joining the ranks of the armed civilian any time soon.

It's Not About Crime

Remember--this report was put out by the DOJ. They can't say they don't know "gun control" doesn't work. So when Eric Holder comes out saying we need to ban "assault weapons" to fight Mexican crime, or establish a "No Guns" registry for people on government's black...uh...watch list, he knows these will not stop even one evil, determined person from committing a violent act--but he wants to do it anyway

It's about power and control.

Oklahoma - - via e-mail

OKLAHOMA MAY JUST BE THE PLACE TO LIVE!

Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9, had a few liberals in the mix, an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C.., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state, based on Christian values...! HB 1330

Guess what.......... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB 1804. Hope we didn't send any of them to your state. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake.

Guess what.......... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Recently we passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegals to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Pelosi said it was unconstitutional. SB 1102

Guess what........ Oklahoma did it anyway.

Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring Oklahoma as a Sovereign state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining Texas , Montana and Utah as the only states to do so. More states are likely to follow: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolina's, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi, Florida. Save your confederate money, it appears the South is about to rise up once again. HJR 1003

The federal Government has made bold steps to take away our guns. Oklahoma, a week ago, passed a law confirming people in this state have the right to bear arms and transport them in their vehicles. I'm sure that was a set back for the criminals (and Obamaites). Liberals didn't like it -- But ...

Guess what........... Oklahoma did it anyway.

Just this month, the state has voted and passed a law that ALL driver's license exams will be printed in English, and only English, and no other language. They have been called racist for doing this, but the fact is that ALL of the road signs are in English only. If you want to drive in Oklahoma , you must read and write English. Really simple.

By the way, Obama does not like any of this.

Guess what....who cares... Oklahoma is doing it anyway.

To Verify:
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-state-capitol-to-display-ten-commandments/article/3370730
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-09-immigcover_N.htm

Good Job

Last night I was watching O'Reilly with the Boss next to me when he played part of the tape recording of this.

. . . a lady watched a man preying on her house, looking for a way to get in and do his thing. She called 911, where the dispatcher tried to keep her distracted from the real task at hand. Listen to the call and judge for yourself. Finally, this prepared woman said, “I can’t keep this gun and keep on the phone darling, it’s a big shotgun, . . .

After firing her 16Ga shotgun, the lady was abviously upset at the prospect of killing another human being. The Boss commented "good job".

Sheriff Judd

POLK COUNTY FLORIDA SHERIFF GRADY JUDD

An illegal alien in Polk County Florida who got pulled over in a routine traffic stop ended up 'executing' the deputy who stopped him. The deputy was shot eight times, including once behind his right ear at close range. Another deputy was wounded and a police dog killed. A state wide manhunt ensued.

The murderer was found hiding in a wooded area and as soon as he took a shot at the SWAT team, officers opened fire on him.

They hit the guy 68 times.

Naturally, the liberal media went nuts and asked why they had to shoot the poor undocumented immigrant 68 times.

Sheriff Grady Judd told the Orlando Sentinel: "Because that's all the ammunition we had."

Now, is that just about the all-time greatest answer or what !

The Coroner also reported that the illegal alien died of natural causes .

When asked by a reporter how that could be since there were 68 bullet wounds in his body, he simply replied "when you are shot 68 times you are naturally gonna die."

I have no idea if this story, via e-mail, is true, but I really don't care. It's a good story.

No Range Time Last Night

We didn't get to the range last night to test the Boss's surgically repaired hand. With all of her activities with church, friends and grandchildren she has a hard time finding time to take a deep breath. Every day of every weekend and most evenings are booked through the end of the year so it'll be January before she's available for some shooting.

Since we didn't get out I spent part of the evening loading some 357 ammo. I now have about 250 rounds with 158gr Sierra JHC that clock around 1300f/s. I loaded 100 of them last night but lost 3 cases that were split down the side. I've been using the same brass for . . . well I can't remember the last time a bought 357 brass. I think it's time to toss all of it after this firing and get some new.

I think it was 8 years ago that I did an experiment using 3 different brands of brass and the same bullet powder combination. With my gun and load, Federal brass was the most accurate with Remington a close second followed by Winchester. I don't know if I can get Federal cases, but I'll try anyway.

Sheeple in a Victim Zone

Some nut job walks into a college class room with a rifle and fires 2 shots, then sits in the hall waiting for the police. No one is injured. The students all run, like they've been trained in a nanny state. Apparently not a one attacked the attacker. In a relatively close environment the best defense is to go on the offensive against a gunman. Thankfully this gunman wasn't all that serious about killing people.

Even those involved in a "victim zone" killing can't seem to shake their "victim" mentality. They prefer that victim zones remain victim zones. I just don't understand, and I suppose I never will.

Meeting of the Dickheads

We now have documented proof that the global warming study is bunk. Despite that, the dickheads are still meeting to plan their methods to screw the world's economy even more. It's becoming more and more evident that these lowlifes are intent on destroying our way of life. That way a one world government controlling us subjects will be easier to accomplish.

Exercising the 2A seems to be all that stands between us and them. The Boss was right. I'll be keeping at least 1,000 rounds for each of my 3 battle rifles.

Keep your powder dry.

Beyond Our Means

I think it was a couple of weeks ago that an astronaut became a father while working on the space station. The first thing I thought was that he is a schmuck for not being with his wife. Don't get me wrong, I'd climb in the shuttle tomorrow if given the chance, but there's no way I'd miss the birth of my child.

The second was that why in the hell are we spending money on space exploration? I've been a fan of space exploration and all the new technologies resulting for decades. I remember watching the first manned rocket launched. But with the way things are today, we should be clamping down on discretionary spending. But not the Fed. They don't have any problem spending money we don't have.

Isn't that the kind of behavior that crashed the economy in the first place, spending beyond our means?

Guns & Church

Yesterday I attended church with the boss. I'm not a church going type, so this was an unusual occasion. A carry-in lunch following the service may have had something to do with it. When we left I didn't see any scorch marks and the ceiling seemed to be intact. :-)

There was a guest pastor speaking, and then during the meal I ended up sitting at the table with him, the Boss's pastor and my brother-in-law. The Guest asked if there are many hunters in the church. The Pastor pointed to the brother-in-law and me, then mentioned that I have an arsenal. I commented that I happen to be one of those "potential domestic terrorists". The Guest replied that I'm just a citizen that believes in the constitution.

The Pastor mentioned that he has refrained from putting a "no guns" sign on the door. In fact, he's been considering posting a "guns welcome" sign there. I didn't mention that I had a .45 auto under my shirt at the time, and I suspect the brother-in-law was also armed.

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Tomorrow evening, if the grandson goes home early enough, the Boss and I will be visiting a local shop and indoor range. We're going to test her surgically repaired hand by shooting a 22 revolver. If that goes well, we'll try my 32 Walther PPK. Sure looks like she's actually serious about getting her carry license. Her Christmas list includes a shoulder bag designed to carry a handgun, and she recently looked in the safe to make sure there was enough cash for "her" gun.

More Guns on the Street

According to the latest data we have 169,000 active concealed carry licenses in Ohio. With a population estimated at roughly 11,500,000 about 1.5% of the state population can legally (by statute law) carry a concealed handgun. And the number grows daily.

If you watch and read the local news sources, you'd never know that about 3 people in 200 carry a concealed handgun. Just maybe, someday, the anti-gun folks will finally realize that there's no down side to exercising this right.

Finally Educated

I finally bothered to read a little something about the Gadsen flag. I always liked the coiled snake with the words "don't tread on me" under it. It resonates with my own personality, though I'm muck quicker to strike when someone messes with my family than when messing with me personally.

Back in the day it was a symbol targeting Great Brittan. It's equally appropriate today as a symbol targeting our own government. We, the human race, must surely be very slow learners indeed, because history has a way of continual repetition.

I think I'll get one of those flags.